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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
09:38
Characterizing Far-infrared Laser Emissions and the Measurement of Their Frequencies
Published on: December 18, 2015
Operating wavelengths optimization for a spaceborne lidar measuring atmospheric CO2.
1European Space Agency, European Space Research and Technology Centre, Keplerlaan 1, P.O. Box 229, 2200 AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands. jerome.caron@esa.int
Applied Optics
|October 3, 2009
Summary
The Advanced Space Carbon and Climate Observation of Planet Earth (A-SCOPE) mission optimizes lidar wavelengths for accurate CO(2) measurements from space. This research presents methods to reduce water vapor sensitivity, enhancing climate data reliability.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Accurate measurement of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is crucial for climate change monitoring.
- Space-based remote sensing missions are vital for global CO2 concentration mapping.
- The European Space Agency's A-SCOPE mission aims to advance CO2 measurement capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- Optimize lidar instrument operating wavelengths for the A-SCOPE mission.
- Assess measurement random errors and knowledge errors in CO2 concentration retrieval.
- Develop methods to mitigate sensitivity to water vapor errors in IPDA lidar measurements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two performance models to assess measurement errors.
- Developed and illustrated a novel approach to reduce water vapor sensitivity.
- Applied integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) lidar technology.
Main Results:
- Optimized lidar operating wavelengths for enhanced CO2 measurement accuracy.
- Demonstrated a significant reduction in water vapor sensitivity (1 order of magnitude).
- Validated methods applicable to various airborne and spaceborne IPDA lidar systems.
Conclusions:
- The optimized A-SCOPE lidar design improves CO2 measurement precision.
- The developed methods enhance the robustness of spaceborne CO2 monitoring.
- This work contributes to more reliable climate change observation from space.
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